Author of the Alchemancer and Assassin Without a Name fantasy series

This week's interview is with Stacey Marie Brown, author of Darkness of Light . Check out the synopsis for the book and the interview with Stacey right after.

Freak. Witch. Crazy. Schizo.

Ember Brycin has been called them all. She’s always known she’s different. No one has ever called her normal, even under the best circumstances. Bizarre and inexplicable things continually happen to her, and having two different colored eyes, strange hair, and an unusual tattoo only contributes to the gossip about her.

When the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for trouble teens, she meets Eli Dragen, who’s hot as hell and darkly mysterious. Their connection is full of passion, danger, and secrets. Secrets that will not only change her life, but what and who she is—leading her down a path she never imagined possible.

Between Light and Dark, Ember finds a world where truth and knowledge are power and no one can be trusted. But her survival depends on finding out the truth about herself. In her pursuit, she is forced between love and destiny and good and evil, even when the differences between them aren’t always clear. At worst, she will incite a war that could destroy both worlds. At best, she will not only lose her heart but her life and everyone she loves. Once the truth is out, however, there will be no going back. And she’ll definitely wish she could.

1. Please tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Northern California. I did some acting in Los Angeles for a time. After that I lived and traveled abroad for over 6 years. During my time abroad I fell in love with Design and Architecture. That brought me back to San Francisco where I got my degree in Interior Design. Now, I work by day as an Interior/Set Designer and by night a writer. During those years I never stopped writing. It took me until recently to really realize that is was what I want to do with my life. It’s my true passion. When I’m not writing I’m with friends, hiking, going to concerts, and just enjoying San Francisco.

2. What's the name of your newest or latest book and what's it about?

My book is called Darkness of Light. It is a paranormal romance/ contemporary fantasy. It is about 18-year-old Ember Brycin, who has always had strange things happen to her. After the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for trouble teens, she discovers a secret that changes not only her life, but what and who she is. Love, lies, deceit, and betrayal lead her down a path to the Otherworld, into another realm where she will probably not survive.

3. Is this book part of a series or standalone?

Although you can read Darkness of Light as a standalone, it is meant to be Book One in the Darkness Series. As of right now, there are 3, possibly 4, books in this series. I am hoping to get Book 2 out by August 2013. It is a continuation of Ember’s journey. It is much more raw and grown up. She has a lot of things to deal with: her own powers, the betrayals, sex, love, death. There are many secrets and twists ahead for her.

4. How long have you been writing?

I have been writing and creating stories from a very early age. It was the way I expressed myself and escaped into a world of make-believe. It was always something I did. It makes me happy and I would do it no matter if one person read my stuff or thousands.

5. From where or whom do you draw inspiration?

Reading, reading . . . and reading more. I also get inspiration from watching people, nature, art, and movies.

6. What advice would you give new or aspiring writers?

Seek therapy it’s quicker and cheaper…

Kidding! My advice is, if you enjoy doing it for fun or want to do it as your job, don’t give up. It is a LONG, grueling process. There is a lot of rejection and times you want to give up, but push through and keep writing. You also have to learn that not every word you write is worth keeping. You have to get thick skin and know people’s critiques are to better your book and you as a writer.

7. Who do you see as your ideal reader?

My books are more in the “New Adult” genre (17+). The first one could be in the YA, but just like in life my main character grows and matures as do the books. My characters are also real. There is sex, swearing, alcohol, and not always does the main character make the right choice. I am older and write for women who still love to read YA type books but want them a little more relatable and real life.

8. Tell us about your writing process. Are you a planner or outliner?

I’m trying to become more structured with my process, but it doesn’t always end up going that way. I like having a general outline on where I’m going; but when I write, my characters take over and sometimes a scene will come out completely different from what I thought. Keeping it loose seems to work for me and gives me the freedom and creativity to follow my characters when they take over my head!

9. Are you a "write every day of the week" sort of writer or do you take days off?

I wish I was disciplined enough to write every day. Life gets in the way and sometimes there are days that not one creative thought enters my brain! But, I do something involving my writing every day, even if it’s editing or focusing on my marketing. I try not to go more than two days without writing a scene.

10. Some book reviewers won't accept independently authored books for review. What are your thoughts on that? Are they missing out?

I understand why some do it; but, yes, I think they are missing out on some incredible writers. Agents aren’t taking on new clients most of the time, so it’s really hard for us “up and coming” to break out. Many choose to go the self-publishing route; but we have to fight the stigma of being “not as good” as published authors, and that is not true at all. I’ve read some horrendous books that were published by a big name and some incredible books that were self-published.

11. Some people feel indie authored books are of lesser quality than those that go through the traditional publishers. Do you agree with them? If so, how can independent authors raise the bar and remove this stigmatism?

Because the publishing world is changing and there are a lot more people self-publishing instead of going through an agent or publisher, I am hoping this stigma will fade some over time. The trouble is there are a lot of people out there that self-publish who don’t get professional help with editing and formatting. Their product is less than par. Unfortunately with no regulations on self-publishing, some really poor quality work is being put out there. Because of this I feel it will be impossible to lose this stigma completely.

12. Any pets? If so, tell us what role they play in your writing, if any.

Living in the city I’m not able to have any pets, but I grew up on a farm—rabbits, ponies, puppies, kitties and even bottle feeding lambs. All my life I’ve been surrounded by animals. I’d say they definitely influence me in some way. I actually want to write a kid’s book called “The Adventures of Pete” based on a true story about my dad’s old dog that got in a stranger’s truck and disappeared for two years before coming back. I want to write about what he saw and did in those two years.

13. Which retailers or others sites can readers find your work at?

My book is on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. All links can be found on my website.

Stacey Marie Brown by day is an Interior/Set Designer, by night a writer of Paranormal Fantasy, Adventure, and Literary Fiction. She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family’s farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts. Even before she could write, she was creating stories and making up intricate fantasies. Writing came as easy as breathing. She later turned that passion into acting, living and traveling abroad, and designing. Though she had never stopped writing, moving back to San Francisco seemed to have brought it back to the forefront and this time it would not be ignored.

When she’s not writing she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.

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